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A COMEDIETTA, 



IN TWO ACTS, 

B| lames 1, (^aFter^ 

AUTHOR OF "CATCHISG A HUSBAND; OR, DTING TO MAItET.' 



WITH THE CAST OF CHARACTERS, STAGE BUSINESS 
RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



CINCINNATI: 
MARSHALL & IIEFLEY, CORNER VINE & SECOND STS. 

1859. 



r>. ;\ \^ % •" -^ • fc Ik ' • . / ,\ 






J 



OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 



" The Hotel Adventure " was played for the first time last 
night, at the National. It had the rare advantage of being al- 
most perfectly studied by the persons acting in it: indeed, it was 
much better done than any new thing that we have ever seen pro- 
duced on the Cincinnati stage. " The Hotel Adventure " is a bet- 
ter piece — more quietly pleasing — more satisfactory — than many 
which have been performed for years. Of course it was, in the 
term of the day, " successful." — Enquirer. 

" The Hotel Adventure," written by a gentleman of this city, 
and produced for the first time on Monday evening, at the Nation- 
al, was received with every demonstration of favor, by a large 
and attentive auditory. — Cin. Gazette. 

The new Comedietta, by J. H. Carter, of this city, so long and 
anxiously looked for, was produced at this house [the National] 
last night; and, if the applause bestowed upon it was any indi- 
cation, it was highly successful. The author was fortunate, too, 
in having his piece so well put upon the stage. Never have we 
seen a new piece produced in which all the characters were more 
perfect in their parts. — Cin. Commercial, 



TMP92-008807 



CAST OP THE CHARACTERS, 

As performed at the National Theater, Jan'y 29th, 1849. 

Mr. Dahlington, a Southern gentleman, Mr. Jackson, 

Mr. Melville, father of Kate, - - . . ^ . . . Mr. Johnson. 
Haery Walters, lover of Kate, ........ Mr. Brown. 

Mb. Brown, the Landlord, Mr. King. 

Squire Green, - Mr. Mehen. 

Charles Danvers, cousin to Kate, Mr. Edwards. 

Mk. Nabem, a constable, Mr. Lawler. 

Sam, a negro servant to Darlington, Mr. Rodgers. 

Kate Melville, daughter to Melville, Miss Maywood. 

Julia Danvers, cousin to Kate, .--.... Miss Bruce. 
Rose, Negro waiting-maid at Brown's Hotel, .... Mrs. Mehen. 

LOCALITY— SARATOGA, N. Y. TIME-1840. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

Entrances and Exits. — R. H. means right hand ; R. H. 1 E., right hand first 
entrance ; L. H., left hand ; L. H. 1 E., left hand first entrance ; 2 E., second en- 
trance; U. E., upper entrance. 

Relative Positions.— R. means right; L., left; C, center; R. C, right of cent.; 
L. C, left of center. 



■^% The Publication. — This play has been published by subscription, by the 
friends of the author, as a matter of compliment to him, and as a source of 
amusement and gratification to them. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, 

By JAMES H. CARTER, 

In the Clerk's Ofiice of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of Ohio. 



PREFACE. 



This Comedietta was written during some leisure hours of the 
author, as an " experiment," and is, therefore, his first essay in 
dramatic writing; and, as his pretensions in that current of author- 
ship partakes largely of the humble character, he did not dare to 
offer his composition for the ordeal of the stage, till his play was 
examined and approved by several experienced and literary gen- 
tlemen. Through the kind feeling and encouraging deportment 
of D. Saezedas, Esq., Manager of the National Theater, the play, 
with the title of " The Hotel Adventure," was produced on the 
night of January 29th, 1849; and being well put on the stage and 
performed, was pronounced, at the fall of the curtain, a complete 
success. The piece was played tliereafter for several nights, and 
fully received the indorsement of the theatrical public. The au- 
thor discovered some defects during its presentation, and has en- 
deavored to correct them; which being accomplished, as he thinks, 
he now presents his play, under a new title — " Love's Masquer- 
ade; or, Money Gives Consent" — and hopes that the reader may 
find some amusement in its perusal. J. H. C. 

Cincinnati, February, 1859. 



LOVE'S MASQUERADE; 

OR, 

MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 



AC T I. 

ScENK I. — A room in Brown's Hotel. Mr. Darlington discovered 
sitting at a table, with a book in his hand and his slippers on. 

Darlington. Well, I must say, that this place has 
been exceedingly dull since the departure of the beauti- 
ful Miss Danvers. I am half inclined to start for Albany 
to-morrow, and spe^d some two or three weeks there. 
Perhaps I might fall deeply in love with that charming 
girl and offer her my hand and heart, for I must confess 
that she is the only creature in the shape of woman who 
has displayed charms of mind and person sufficient to cap- 
tivate me in the least degree. Yes — I believe — I will 
start for Albany to-morrow. 

Enter Sam, negro servant to Mr. D. R. H. 

Sam. Here, massa, is your boots, wid de wery best pol- 
ish on dem dat Mason's looking-glass blacking will bring 
out, 'specially wen a person like dis chile has de handling 
of de brushes. (^Gives Mr. D. his boots.) 

Darlington. Sam ! I 'm going to leave here to-morrow 
for Albany. {Pulling on his boots and adjusting his pants.') 

Sam. You is ? 

Darlington. Yes, Sam ; I am tired of this place. I 
wish you to have all my clothes nicely packed in my trav- 
eling trunk, and see that my horses are in good order and 
my buggy well cleaned for a genteel departure from this 
house. 

Sam. Yes, massa, I will give all de tings de proper 
care, and hab ebery ting in order 'cording to your wishes, 
massa. (^Aside and going.) I hates to leave dis place. 



6 LOVES masquerade; 

dat 's sartin, case I has been most delumshusly situated 
hea wid Miss Rose ; and den what will Miss Rose do wid- 
out dis chile ? 

Darlington. I say, Sam, tell Mr. Brown, as you pass 
through the bar-room, to have my bill made out in full. 

Sam. Yes, massa, I will tend to dat business, also. 
(Aside.) I does hate to go, de wust kind. 

[Exit Sam. l. h. 

Darlington (musing). Miss Danvers is indeed the 
only charming woman I have seen during my visit to this 
watering place, and if she — 

Enter Sam, in a hurry. L. H, 

Sam. Massa, a carriage has just stop at de door, wid a 
wery han'some lady in it. 

Darlington. Ah! indeed! Let me see her. (Going 
quickly to the window.') There peeps forth a dear little 
foot and there follows a neat turned ankle, and here comes 

a face beaming with a 0, confound that thick green 

vail, say I. She seems to be in a great hurry to get into 
the house. I wonder who she can be. 

Sam. Yes, massa. I tink dere is great hurry, as de 
horses came up to de door wid de tallest kind of trot. 

Darlington. Sam, you need not commence packing up 
my clothes yet, nor do any thing in the way of making 
preparation for my departure, till I say so. I will go 
down and see what is going on. There may be something 
to interest me. \^Exit Darlington, l. h. 

Sam. I hope to de land dat massa may change his 
mind 'bout leabing dis place. I hab not been staying in 
any house where de cullud gals gibs me so much pleasure 
in dere s'ciety as dey do hea, more specially dat lubly gal, 
dat winning creetur, Miss Rose. I tinks de sweets of her 
full blown lips will compare wid de honey de bee sucks 
from de flowers dat lie reposing on de soft snowy bosom 
of Flora, dat 's sartin. (Sam sings.) 

Air — " Dearest Mae." 

Wheneber I tinks of dat sweet lubly Rose, 
De blood to my heart like a torrent swiftly flows ; 
And makes me desire to hab her io my arms, 
Dat I misjht squeeze de gal dat has such witching cliarms. 
Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, my sweet, my lubly Rose, 

You is de purtiest flower dat in de garden grows. 

[Repeat chorus.] 



OK, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 7 

She 's got de most kinkey and blackest wooly hair. 
And de sweetest lips dat you '11 find any where; 
De white of her eye is clear as de fountain, 
Whose bright waters flow from de top of de mountain. 
Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, <fec. 

Like two elastic globes her heaving bosoms swell. 
Which takes away my very breaf, de cause I can not tell; 
Dat little chile Cupid, wid his bow and his arrow. 
Has shot my heart right through the core and knocked out 
all de marrow. 
Choeus. Ah, dearest Rose, Ac. 

I wish dat I could only call dat lubly gall my wife, 
I 'd be de happiest cuUud chile dat ebber came to life: 
But, wid her smiles and graces, she acts de grand coquette. 
And keeps dis nigga all de time in de biggest kind of sweat. 
Chorus. Ah, dearest Rose, <fec. 

As I 've not seen dat gall dis morning, I '11 go and call on 
her before she dusts de back parlor. [Exit Sam. r. h. 



Scene II. — Ladies' parlor in Brown's Hotel. Enter Mr. Brown, 
the landlord, introducing Katk Melville, l. h. 1. e. 

Landlord. This way, Miss. Please take this chair, 
Miss [handing Kate a chair). You must be very much 
fatigued after your journey. Can I wait upon you in any 
way, Miss ? 

Kate {sitii7ig dow?i). No, sir, I thank you. I will 
ring when I desire any thing. 

Landlord. Do so. Miss. I will send to you my col- 
ored woman. Rose, to wait upon you. 

[Exit Laiidlord. r. h. 

Kate. If Harry does not meet me here agreeably to 
promise, what shall I do? My father will certainly dis- 
cover that I have ran away from home and will soon be 
here after me. I shall then be carried back, to be locked 
up again in my room, from which I have just escaped, to 
brood o'er my unhappy fate and my father's determined 
opposition to my marriage with Harry Walters. 0, that 
he were here to protect me. [^EiUer Rose., r. h. 

E.OSE. Do you wish me, ma'm, for any ting (curtesy- 
ing^ ? 

Kate. No, not now. I will call you when I need you. 



8 love's masquerade; 

Rose (aside and going). Dat young lady looks mighty 
troubled 'bout someting. Dere 's someting mysterious in 
her conduct, I tinks. [Exit Rose. r. h. 

Kate. I have had the courage to run off from my fa- 
ther's house, prompted, as I have been, by my deep attach- 
ment for dear Harry ; and I will still endeavor to have 
fortitude enough to bear me onward. The step I have 
taken may be deemed imprudent: but what will not love 
make us do. As I have gone thus far, I am determined 
to become the wife of Harry Walters before I turn my 
face homeward, despite my father's opposition. Harry 
Walters is not rich; and this is the only but great objec- 
tion of my father to our union. He would oblige me to 
marry that most odious man, Mr. Danton, because he is a 
large stockholder in the Merchant's Bank, and, conse- 
quently, deemed rich. Rather than marry such a re- 
pulsive man, I would much sooner wed the grave. If my 
father should arrive before Harry, what shall I do. O, 
that I could find some worthy gentleman who would act 
as my protector till Harry arrives. (Enter Air. Darling- 
ton, quick!]/. L. H.) 

Darlington. Here is one at your service, Miss. But 
pardon my presumption and boldness. I could not per- 
mit the latter part of your soliloquy to fall on my ear un- 
heeded. If I can be of any service to you in any man- 
ner, I but await your wishes and commands. 

Kate (confused.} Your presence, sir, is very unexpect- 
ed. I did not suppose that my words were spoken so 
loud as to be heard by any one. (Aside :) His looks cer- 
tainly bespeak the gentleman. I think I may confide in 
him. (Turning to Mr. D.) May I have the pleasure of 
knowing the name of the gentleman who has so very sud- 
denly appeared and who offers his services in such kind 
terms ? 

Darlington. Most certainly, miss. My name is Dar- 
lington — of the firm of Benson, Darlington & Co., of' 
New Orleans. I have been spending some six or eight 
•weeks at this house, enjoying all the pleasures and luxu- 
ries which the place affords ; and, having become tired of 
remaining longer, I had determined to leave on tomorrow. 
But, seeing your arrival, and hearing just now, from Rose, 
that the young lady in the parlor seemed much distressed, 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 9 

I had the curiosity to steal a glance at your person ; and, 
in so doing, overheard your wishes for a protector. And 
I resolved, on the instant, to offer you my services and 
postpone my departure. 

Kate. 'T is very strange, sir, that I should entertain 
a disposition to accept your services, unacquainted, as I am, 
with your character. But, judging from your earnest 
manner, that you have spoken truly of yourself, and being 
in great need of the aid of some honorable gentlemaa, I 
will accept your very kind offer. 

Darlington. I feel myself most highly honored, miss, 
by your acceptance ; and I am impatient to begin my new 
character and prove myself worthy of your confidence. 

Kate. You must know, then, Mr. Darlington, that I 
have ran away from my father's house, and fully expected 
to meet Harry Walters here — a gentleman to whom I am 
engaged to be married. My father is most bitterly op- 
posed to our union, and we were obliged to adopt this 
mode as the only one left to insure our happiness. Some- 
thing has surely occurred to Harry, or he would have 
been here long before this. I am exceedingly fearful that 
my father will arrive first, and then our plans may be 
frustrated, unless you can suggest some scheme to assist 
us. 

Darlington. Let me see : what plan can we adopt ? 
{Tkmki?ig.) I have it. You must disguise yourself as a 
young gentleman. 

Kate. What! dress myself in male apparel? 

Darlington. Yes, miss — that 's it, exactly. 

Kate. I never will be able to do it, Mr Darlington. 

Darlington. Why, it 's not a very difficult matter to 
do, I assure you. 

Kate. 0, I can not personate the character of a gen- 
tleman ! 

Darlington. Yes you can. if you will only make the 
effort; and I think that you will make a very interesting 
and good looking young fellow. 

Kate. I never can appear before any one, dressed in 
that manner, Mr. Darlington. 

Darlington. But you must do so, indeed. Only wear 
the pants a little while before your marriage, and become 
my traveling companion — and in this way you will be able 
2 



10 love's masquerade; 

to cheat your father out of your identity. (The noise of 
the arrival of a carriage is heard, and the hosUe/s bell is 
loudly rung.) 

Kate (running to the window) 0, heavens ! there 's 
my father! I am lost — what shall I do! 

Darlington. You must become the young gentleman. 

Kate. I will become any thing, rather than be car- 
ried back to bondage. 

Darlington. Then retire quickly into the adjoining 
room, and I will send you the suit of clothes immediately, 
by Rose, which put on — and I will watch the progress of 
events. 

Kate. I must do as you say, Mr. Darlington, and will 
trust all to your good management. 

[Exit Kate. r. h. 

Darlington. Well, I am exceedingly fond of adven- 
ture, and I have now, certainly, placed myself in a most 
romantic and interesting position. This young lady is 
very heroic, as well as pretty — and loves Harry Walters, 
as only woman can love. She shall marry him, or else 
I 'm no prophet. [Exit Darlington, l. h. 



Scene III. — A hall in Brown's Hotel. 
Enter Sam. l. h. 

Sam. Massa Darlington does not seem to be in so great 
a hurry 'bout leaving dis place. Dat makes dis chile feel 
happy. I wish he not go for three months, for den I 
would float on de circumbulating air wid de wings of 
pleasure all dat time, dat 's sartain. [Enter Rose, carry- 
ing a bandbox, r. h.) What 's de hurry now. Rose? 
I wants to speak wid you on important matters. 

Rose. I can not stop now, Mista Sam Johnsing, case 
I must take dis box of clothes to de lady, which arrive 
here dis mawning, 'cording to your massa's orders. 

Sam. Can 't you stop to let me inhale de oder ob dose 
sweet, nectar lips ob yours, jis once? 

Rose. 0, do n't bodder wid such nonsense at dis mo- 
ment, Mista Sam. I 'tend to your case some udder time, 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 11 

when I has more leisure and nothing better to do. (Rose 
going.) 

Sam. I say Rose, look hea (showing Rose a ring which 
he has on his finger). 

Rose. Where did you get dat, Mista Sam (looking 
eagerly at the ring)% 

Sam. Dat 's not de question befo' de house at dis time. 
De question am, what culled lady will be the owner of dis 
jewelry? 

Rose. I can 't tell dat ; but I tinks I knows a culled 
lady who has a finger dat will fit it zacly. 

Sam. So does I ; but dat finger never wears dis ring 
till dat lady will promise to take it wid her teeth from de 
spot where I may put it. 

Rose. Now, Mista Sam, you has no feeling for de sex, 
or you would take de hint, widout making a lady promise 
to do such a strange ting as dat. 

Sam. Will you give me four kisses for it, den? 

Rose. No. I do n't sell my kisses in dat common 
way. 

Sam. Den. if you wants de ring, you must take it wid 
your teeth, as I befo' spress myself. 

Rose. Well, I will do dat. But make haste, for I 
must take dis box to de young lady right away. 

Sam (placing the ring helwecn his teeth). Here it is. 
Come and take it, if you want it. 

Rose (places the band-box on the fioor^ and goes up to 
Sam and takes the ring with her teeth from Savi's mouth. 
As she does so, Sam throws his arms arouiid her and gives 
her many kisses. Rose releases herself from Saints em- 
brace). Sam, I gives in. You caught me dis time; but 
de ring is mine any how. (Puts the ring on her finger.) 
You do n't come it over me again in dat style, Mista Sam. 
De next kiss you gets from me will cost you someting 
more, I tells you. [Rose picks up the bandbox and exits. 

Sam (laughing). Hah, ha, ha! Dey say dat stolen 
fruit am de best. I agrees wid de poet in dat sentiment. 
Golly ! her lips am sweeter dan honey widout de comb. I 
tinks I loves dat gal, and den I tinks I do n't love dat gal; 
and den, again, I does n't know what I does tink. I 
do n't tink dat I 'm a marrying man, dat's sartin. I will 
sing what I tinks I am. [Sings.'] 



12 



love's masquekade; 



Chorus and] 
shuffle. 



Chorus, ^c. 



Air — " Jim Crow." 

I is de greatest darkie 

Dat you '11 find in dis land, 
I reads in de spelling book 

And writes a bully hand. 
Wid my gingaring, gingaring, gingaring, garoo, 
Wid my gingaring, gingaring, gingaring, gaboo 1 

De gals ob dis town 

Are all in lore wid me, 
I kiss dere ruby lips so sweet. 

And makes dem happy be. 
Wid my gingaring, <&c. 



De gals am always grinning 

When in de street I 'm seen; 
Dey all coax me to marry dem. 
But I is not so green. 
Chorus, ^c. Wid my gingaring, &c. 



Dis chile is not so easy caught, 

I neber takes a wife; 
So many gals would die of grief, 

I leads a single life. 
Wid my gingaring, Ac. 



Chorus, ^-c. 



Enter Mr. Darlington, l. h. 



Darlington. I say, Sam, I am not going away tomor- 
row; nor do I know when I will depart. I have become 
engaged in a very interesting affair, and will not leave till 
I go through with it. 

Sam. I 'se glad to hear, massa, dat you has come to 
dat cornclusion. It is just de ting I was wishing you to 
do. I likes dat arrangement much, massa. 

Darlington. You must exercise my horses well, to- 
day, Sam, and give them your best attention, for I may 
not wish to use them for several days. 

Sam. I will tend to dem well, massa, and no mistake. 
I tinks too much of dem to let dem suffer. 

Darlington. Very good, Sam. (Aside.) I must 
now call upon my newly finished young man, and be well 
prepared for future action. [Exit Darlington, l. h. 

Sam. I wonder what kind of a fair massa has on him 
hands dat gives him so much interest. I speck it must 
be a lady fair. 0, dat 's de case, dat 's sartin. But den 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 13 



I hear him say soraeting 'bout a young man. P'raps he 's 
goin' to fight a duel. I hopes dat is not de case. I '11 go 
down to de kitchen and wait dere till Rose comes down ; 
may be, she know someting 'bout dis business, as she car- 
ried to de young lady de band-box. and dat may hab some- 
ting to do wid dis oblivious arrangement. 

[Exit Sam. r. h. 



Scene IV. — Parlor in Brown's Hotel. 
Etiter the Landlord and Mr. Melville, l. h. 

Melville. I tell you, sir, my daughter must be in 
your house. 

Landlord. I can not say, sir. The only lady that I 
have had the pleasure of receiving here to-day, I left sit- 
ting in this room but a short time since. She may have 
been your daughter. But she is not here now. 

Melville. Did she wear a light blue dress ? 

Landlord. She did. 

Melville. And a straw bonnet, with a thick, green 
vail? 

Landlord. She did, indeed. 

Melville. It must be she; and I will not leave your 
house, Mr. Brown, till I discover her. 

Landlord. If she is iu my house, sir, she can soon be 
found, and I will give you my aid in the search. 

Melville. The undutiful girl ! I '11 teach her to run 
away from home again, or there 's no safety in locks and 
bolts. Come, sir — let us at once to the search. 

Landlord. Please come this way, sir. We will go 
into the other rooms, and examine thoroughly every part 
of the house. [Exit Landlord and Mr. Melville. R. h. 



Scene V. — Room in Brotcn's Hotel. Kate Melville, in the dress of 
a young man, is discovered adjusting a cap on her head. 

Kate (^having fixed the cap on her head to please her'). 
Well, I declare, I do feel awkward enough in being thus 
attired. Were it for any other cause than that of love and 
dear Harry, I should most certainly fail in my assumed 

2* 



14 love's masquerade; 

character. I wish Harry would come and put an end to 
all my uneasiness and suspense. 

Enter Darlington, l. h. 

Darlington. Ah, how do you do, my young friend? 
How well you look in your new dress. I knew that you 
would do so. Permit me to congratulate you. [Taking 
Kate by the haiid.) 

Kate. Do not make sport of me, Mr. Darlington. 
Perhaps I have been too foolish in thus changing my ap- 
pearance and character. 

Darlington. I am not sporting with you, my dear 
Miss Melville ; no, not by any means. I only said what 
I really think. But let me tell you that your father, in 
company with the landlord, is now searching every room 
in the house, insisting that you are here, and swears that 
he will not leave till you are found. I believe I hear them 
coming this way, now. 

Kate (alarmed). I leave all to your care and man- 
agement, Mr. Darlington ; for I fear I can not act my 
part very well in this disguise. 

Darlington. Please take m}' arm. and we will prom- 
enade the room. We must appear to be engaged on some 
most interesting and serious matter whilst your father ex- 
amines this part of the house. (^Kate and Darlington 
promenade.) 

Enter Mr. Melville and Landlord, r. h. 

Landlord. Now, my dear sir, are you satisfied ? We 
have been in all the rooms of my house. If you can see 
her in this one, it is more than I can do. 

Melville. Where can she have gone to? She came 
here, for I was so informed by the driver of the carriage 
who brought her hither. Who are those persons, I won- 
der? (Going up to Kate and looking at her closely ) 

Landlord (aside). That is a strange gentleman with 
Darlington. Who can he be? 

Melville (turning to the landlord). I would swear 
that was Kate in disguise, were it not for an ugly squint 
I observed, (hooking at Kate again., closely.) 

Landlord (aside). I should not be surprised if that 
strange young man were his daughter, for 1 do n't know 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 15 

how he came here. I shall not say a word, though. I '11 
remain silent for her sake. 

Melville {turning to the landlord again). No, that 
is not my daughter. Come, Mr. Brown, let us retire. I 
should like to have some refreshment. I will not leave 
your house though, sir, till I find my daughter. She must 
be somewhere about these premises, for she was to meet 
that insignificant Harry Walters here, and she can not be 
far ofi". I am determined that she shall not marry that 
fellow. \_Exit Mr. Melville and Landlord, r. h. 

Darlington [advancing). And I am determined that 
she shall. Why, how you trembled. Miss Melville, when 
your father was eyeing you so closely. 

Kate. I thought, Mr. Darlington, he was going to call 
me Kate every moment, and I came near fainting. I 
don't wonder that he saw a squint in my eye, for I imag- 
ined my eyes were about to desert me ; they were so much 
afiected by his gaze I could scarcely see. 

Darlington. I was almost induced to speak to your 
father; but, fearing that I would say something that 
might, in our altercation, cause you to speak, I thought it 
better for your safety to remain silent and permit him to 
scrutinize us as he pleased. 

Kate. How rejoiced I am that we have gone thus far 
without being discovered. If Harry would only come. 

Darlington. Cheer up, my dear Miss Melville, all 
will yet be right. Let us take a walk through the gar- 
den to beguile the moments. Harry, no doubt, will be 
here very shortly, and then all your anxiety and uneasi- 
ness will have an end. I feel very confident that we will 
be able to elude the vigilance of your father, and accom- 
plish all your heart desires. \_Ezeunt. l. h. 



Scene VI. — Bar-room, or reception room, in Broicn's Hotel. Land- 
lord discovered looking over the Register. 

Landlord. This week bids fair to turn out pretty 
well, after all. (Shutting up the. Register.) I have some 
quite interesting people here, just at this time: a runaway 
daughter and her enraged father. 'T is none of my busi- 
ness to meddle with any one's affairs. I have as much as 



16 love's masquerade; 

I can do to attend to my own ; so I will not let Mr. Melville 
know my suspicions as to his daughter's disguise ; let him 
take care of his own affairs. 'T is my place and duty to 
be obliging to all, and treat all persons well who honor 
my house with their patronage, charging them a fair price 
for my services and entertainment. No house enjoys a 
better reputation than mine, and I am resolved it shall 
maintain it. Ah, here comes a stranger. (Enter Harry 
Walters, in haste, l. h, ) Good day to you, sir. You 
are welcome to my house, sir. 

Harry. Thank you. Can you tell me, sir, whether a 
young lady, unattended, arrived here to-day? 

L.\NDLORD. Yes, sir ; there was such an arrival, 

Harry. Will you please show me to her. or tell me 
where I can find her. 

Landlord. I do n't know that I can. Is your name 
Walters — Harry Walters ? 

Harry. It is, sir. 

Landlord. The young lady you are in quest of is 
Miss Melville? 

Harry. Yes, sir — the same. Please show me to her 
at once. 

Landlord. Listen. Her father is here in pursuit of 
her, and is determined that she shall not marry the man 
of her choice — which, I suppose is you, sir. But she has, 
up to this present moment, eluded his search. He is 
much enraged at being thus foiled, and is using all means 
in his power to discover her whereabouts. Your only 
chance of success, sir, is in finding her first. 

Harry. Indeed ! How unfortunate was my deten- 
tion. But it is no time now to talk. I must away, and 
seek her. 

Landlord. Well, sir ; I give you free access to all 
parts of my house. But be careful not to come in colli- 
sion with Mr. Melville ; for, if he sees you, he will have 
you arrested for abducting his daughter. 

Harry (goi7ig). Now may fortune aid me in finding 
her. She shall then soon be mine, in spite of her father's 
threats and opposition. [Exit Harry, r. h. 

Landlord. I would not tell Mr. Walters my suspi- 
cions in regard to Miss Melville, for that would have been 
too much against my own interest. Here comes Sam — 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 17 

I '11 sound him a little. (Enter Sam. l. h.) Sam, what 
young man is that your master has become so intimate 
with, and who occupies so much of his attention? 

Sam. I do n't 'xactly know who dat is ; but I tinks 
dat de arrangement looks werry suspicious, dats sartin. 

Landlord. I do not wish to know your master's busi- 
ness, Sam ; I merely wished to see if you know who that 
suspicious looking young man is. 

Sam. Is dat all. Well, I tinks, and so does Kose, 
dat — (A bell rings.) Dat 's my massa's bell. I must 
go. [Exit Sar?i. r. h. 

Landlord. That darkey is a sly fellow, and I should 
not be surprised if he knew well enough his master's new 
companion. I will go and see if Mr. Melville is not in 
want of something. I shall not let him know of Walters's 
arrival, nor my suspicion of his daughter's disguise. It's 
well enough for me to make all I can out of this little bit 
of romance. So I will go and give him my attention. 

\_Exit Landlord, r. h. 



Scene VII. — A room in Brown's Hotel. Kate Melville discovered 
silting by a table, in a pensive mood. 

Enter Darlington. 

Darlington. Why so pensive, my dear Miss Melville? 
Do not permit your spirits to be thus cast down. 

Kate. Perhaps some misfortune has befallen Harry; 
and if this thought should prove true — 

Darlington. Banish such thoughts. I pray you. I 
was just making inquiries of my servant, Sam, whether 
he had seen your father, and he says that your father is 
still making most vigilant search for you. 

Kate. 0, that Harry would arrive ! My impatience 
and anxiety are becoming almost insupportable. 

Darlington. He must be here soon. I should not be 
surprised if he were to make his appearance here during 
the next moment. 

Enter Harry Walters, r. h. Kate attempts to run 
to him., but Darlington restrains her and motions her 
to silence. 



18 love's masquerade; 

Harry (not seeing Kate or Darlington). If she is not 
here, then all my hopes of happiness are gone. (^Discov- 
ers Kate and Darlington.) Excuse me, gentlemen, I am 
in search of a young lady who arrived here today, and 
can not now be found. My happiness and hers is closely 
connected, and depends upon her being discovered by me. 
Have either of you seen such a lady? 

Kate {aside). I can not endure this any longer. 
Harry, dear Harry {running up to him) ! do you not 
know me? 

Harry. Is it possible ! 'T is my own Kate in dis- 
guise. {^Kate and Harry embrace.') 

Kate. Yes, it is your own Kate. But let me not for- 
get to introduce you to my friend and protector. 

Harry. Your friend and protector ! 

Kate. Yes, Harry; Mr. Darlington, of New Orleans. 
{Harry and Darlington approach and shake hands.) Were 
it not for his most friendly and disinterested aid, I should 
have been carried back home, long ere this, by my father, 
and never have seen you more. 

Harry. Indeed ! How can I, dear sir, express my 
overflowing thanks? {Taking Mr. D. by the hand and 
shaking it most cordially.) 

Darlington. Never mind that, sir. I have only been 
too highly honored by Miss Melville in accepting my poor 
services. 

Harry. I suppose, of course, Kate, that your disguise 
has been the means of protecting you from your father's 
search. 

Kate. Yes, Harry — thanks to Mr. Darlington for in- 
troducing such a plan — it has, together with his good 
management, fully protected me. 

Harry. We owe you more than we can ever repay, 
Mr. Darlington. Darlington? Why, that name sounds 
quite familiar to me. Are you not of the firm of Benson, 
Darlington & Co., of New Orleans? 

Darlington. Yes, sir, I am. 

Harry. Do you not recollect, some seven years ago, 
that a young man, poorly clad, came to your store and 
asked for employment? 

Darlington. Yes, perfectly well. But you are not he? 

Harry. Yes, I am that same young man. You rec- 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 19 

ollect you gave me employment through pity for my situ- 
ation, and by this generous act you aftbrded me the means 
of returning to my own home in a short time. 

Daulington. Yes, I now recollect that circumstance 
well ; and well do I remember how very useful you ren- 
dered yourself during the short period you remained at 
our store — and how you were mainly instrumental in pre- 
venting our property from being destroyed by fire, by 
your timely and unwearied exertions. But you have 
changed very much since then, Mr. Walters. I would 
not have recognized you, if you had not made yourself 
known. Hark ! I hear footsteps approaching. Perhaps 
it is your father. Miss Melville. (Going toward the door, 
and Kate and Harry quite alarmed.) No, 't is only my 
servant, Sam, 

Enter Sam, in haste, r. h. 

Sa.m. Massa, I comes to tell you dat Mista Melville 
has heard dat Mista "Walters is in dis house, and he has 
jis gone to de Squire's office to get de perliceman wid his 
writ to seize Mista Walters. Dis is a fac. niassa, dat 's 
sartin. You know you tole me to watch Mista Melville 
closely — and I has done dat ting, 'cording to de arrange- 
ment. 

Kate. 0, Harry, what shall we do! 

Harry. Why, we will at once — 

Darlington. Stop — I have just thought of a plan. 
Sam, you go and keep strict watch of the doings of Mr. 
Melville, and give us timely warning of his approach. 

Sam. Yes, massa, I will do dat ting — dat 's sartin. 

[Exit Sam. R. H. 

Darlington. A plan has just opened itself to me. A 
little novel, to be sure ; but one that will fully carry out 
all your wishes. And, as I have discovered in you, Mr. 
Walters, an old acquaintance, I feel doubly interested in 
you both, and will give you all the aid in my power to 
baffle Mr. Melville's designs. 

Harry. A thousand thanks, dear sir ! Please name 
the plan, and let us carry it out at once. 

Darlington. 'T is this. I will induce Rose to bor- 
row from the landlord's daughter a dress that will fit you, 
and you must disguise yourself as a female. 



20 love's masquerade; 

Harry. That will be novel enough. But I will adopt 
any plan, Mr. Darlington, you may suggest. Go on, my 
dear sir. 

Darlington. Well, then, while you are attiring your- 
self in this dress, I will go and procure the services of 
'Squire Green, whom I know very well, and return with 
him for the purpose of marrying you in disguise, before 
Mr. Melville returns. Should he arrive before the cere- 
mony is completed, you will still be able to accomplish 
your wishes, for he will not recognize either of you. After 
the ceremony is legally performed, you will be beyond the 
reach of his designs or actions. 

Harry. This will, indeed, be most capital, will it not, 
Kate? 

Kate. Yes, Harry, it will ; and were it not for the 
anxiety I feel for our success, I could laugh heartily at 
the most singular parts we are to perform. But I will 
restrain all mirthful feelings till I am made yours. 

Harry. And then we must and will have a good, 
hearty laugh at our masquerade marriage, and the suc- 
cessful termination of our good friend's plot. 

Darlington. Then you both agree to the plan? 

Harry. Yes, we do, and most willingly. 

Darlington. I will go immediately to Rose, and have 
the dress sent to you. Be prepared as soon as possible. Do 
not be too particular about your great resemblance to fe- 
male figure and delicacy. What we want is disguise. I 
will have the 'Squire prepared for the emergency, so there 
will be no delay. Do not forget, Mr. Walters, to have 
your head and face enveloped in a vail. This will hide 
your features and give you more the appearance of a wo- 
man. Miss Melville will arrange you, no doubt, "a la, 
mode.^^ And now for our plot. [Exit Darlington, r. h. 

Harry. I never dreamed of being transformed into a 
woman to gain you, Kate. 

Kate. Nor did I ever expect to be changed into a 
man for your sake, Harry. 

Harry. Changing our sex, Kate, will not diminish 
our love. So, let us to the next room and await the com- 
ing of Rose. \_Exeunt. r. h. 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 21 

ACT II. 

Scene I. — A street in front of Brown's Hotel. 
Enter Mr. Darlington /rom the door of the Hotel. R. H. 

Darlington. I have sent Rose to Harry Walters with 
the dress, which she succeeded in borrowing from the 
landlord's daughter. I think it will answer our purpose 
very well, and all things will soon be arranged for our 
success. I am resolved that Mr. Melville shall be thwart- 
ed in his designs, and that his daughter shall become the 
happy wife of Harry Walters. There is but one thing 
more to do, and that is to procure the services of 'Squire 
Green. I hope he may not be engaged. I will go at 
once to his office. (Is going off.^ l. h., hut is met by the 
Constable coming in, l. h.) 

Constable. Not so fast, sir ; you are my prisoner. 

Darlington. What do you mean, sir? 

Constable. I mean, sir, that I have a writ for you. 

Darlington. For me, sir? 

Constable. Yes, for you, sir. You need n't seem so 
innocent about it. 

Darlington. You are certainly mistaken, sir. 

Constable. I tell you, sir, I am not mistaken. You 
can 't fool me; so come along to 'Squire Green's. 

Darlington (aside). I see how it is. He takes me 
for Harry Walters. This mistake will be of great serv- 
ice to Harry, and T must turn it to good account — as 
there is but one 'Squire in this place — by taking advantage 
of the delay which this blunder will occasion and secur- 
ing the services of 'Squire Green. 

Constable. Don't stand there muttering, sir. It's 
no use. You are bound to go with me, my man. 

Darlington. Well, sir, I am ready to go with you. 

Constable. No shamming, sir, nor attempt to run 
away ; for it will be worse for you if you do. 

Darlington. Am I not all willingness to go, sir. Lead 
on. [Exeunt, l. h. 

Enter Sam from the door of the hotel. R. h. 2 in f. 
Sam. De debil! (Looking after Mr. Darlington.) 
3 



22 love's masquerade; 

Dere goes massa and de police man. I wonder what is 
de matter now. My massa likes de adventure, as he calls 
em ; and I tinks dat he is getting him hands full of dat 
kind of business, dat 's sartin. I must follow arter him 
and see what de matter is. Dere 's getting too much ob- 
livion, in dis arrangement, for dis chile's understanding. 
Rose and I has been trying de hardest kind to keep up 
wid de wicissumtudes ob de times, but I is almost bewil- 
dered wid em now. I must follow my massa and see what 
is to be done wid him I does n't like de looks of dis ar- 
rangement, dat 's sartin. lExil So.m. l. h. 



Scene II. — Squire Green's office. The Squire is discovered sitting 
at a tabic with books and papers on it. Ma. Melville is walking up 
and down the room impatiently : two or three loungers are also in the 
office. 

Mr. Melville. The constable is so long absent, 
squire, I am fearful that he has not succeeded in taking 
this Harry Walters. 

Squire. Mr. Nabem is a good officer, Mr. Melville, and 
will not fail to bring him hither, if he is to be found in 
the town. He understands his business well, Mr. Mel- 
ville, I assure you. Ah, here he comes with the prisoner. 
Did I not tell you right, Mr. Melville? I knew he would 
bring him. {The squire looks over his papers. Eater the 
Constable with Darlington, l. h.) 

Melville (aside and irritated). Confound the stupid 
constable, he has made a most foolish mistake. 

Squire (looking over his papers and not noticing Dar- 
lijigton ) Proceed, Mr., Melville with your statement. 
But, first, let me swear you. 

Melville. I swear, then, Squire, that Mr. Nabem has 
not produced the right man. 

Squire [looking up and, discovering Mr. Darlington). 
Why, Mr. Darlington, there is a great mistake here. Mr. 
Nabem, what's the matter? You have lost your usual 
sagacity and penetration. 

Constable. Is not this the man the writ calls for? 

Squie-e. No, sir, he is not the man. 



OK, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 23 

Constable. Well, then, I have made a miss. ( Turning 
to Darlingion) Sir, I beg a thousand pardons for having 
treated you so badly. 

Darlington. Never mind it, sir. There is no harm 
done. 

Melville. But, I say that there is a great deal of harm 
done. This foolish blunder will give that Walters time to 
clear ofiF, and that too with my daughter. Perhaps he has 
already gone. 

Squire. Mr. Nabem. you will return instanter to 
Brown's hotel and bring hither Harry Walters, if he can 
be found. I hope, by your success this time, Mr. Nabem, 
you may be able to retrieve, in some degree, the error you 
have just committed in arresting an innocent individual. 

Constable. I will that, Squire, and no mistake. 

[.Exit Constable, l. h. 

Melville. I will go with him. Squire, so that he will 
not make a mistake this time. I will have Walters arrest- 
ed and punished, if there is law to do it. 

[Exit Mr. Melville, l. h. The loungers also go out. 

Darlington. Now, Squire, as you are at leisure, I 
want to employ your services immediately, in a more 
pleasant way. I wish you to unite instead of disuniting 
people. In a word, Stjuire, I want you to marry two most 
devoted and willing hearts. They are both of legal age 
and entitled to marry, and are, besides, my friends. 

Squire. Well, Mr. Darlington, I have no objections. 
That is a part of my official duties, and as I can leave my 
office now for a short period, I may as well accompany you 
as not. Where do you wish me to go to perform the cere- 
mony, Mr. Darlington ? 

Darlington. To Brown's hotel, Squire. 

Squire. It is not, I suppose, Mr. Melville's daughter 
and this Harry Walters you wish me to marry ? 

Darlington. You will see who they are. Squire, on 
your arrival. I tell you, truly, that they are of legal age 
and entitled to marry. 

Squire. Well, well, I am ready to go with you, Mr. 
Darlington. [Squire puts his hat on ) 

Darlington. Let us hasten, then, to Brown's hotel, 
where Hymen holds his court. [Exeunt, l. h. 



24 love's masquerade; 

Scene III. — Room in Brown's Hotel. 
Enter Julia Danvers and her brother Charles, l. h. 

Julia. I am fearful, brother, that we have arrived too 
late. 

Charles, It does appear rather deserted about here, 
I must confess, Julia. 

Julia. If Kate were here, she would most certainly 
run to meet us. 

Enter Kate Melville, who runs and clasps Julia Dan- 
vers in her arms and kisses her. Julia screams in afright, 
not knowing Kate in her disguise. 

Charles. Who dares to act thus rudely? {Taking 
Kate by the arm and pulling her away.) 

Kate, Is it possible, you do n't know your cousin 
Kate ? 

Julia. Good heavens ! Is it you, cousin Kate (kiss- 
ing her^ 1 

Kate. Yes it is, most assuredly. I saw your arrival 
from the window and ran to meet you. 

Charles. Why, Kate, you astonish me. What is the 
meaning of this masquerade dress? Do you suppose that 
we could have known you, not suspecting any thing of 
this kind. Tell us what it means ! 

Julia. Do, Kate ; tell us, quickly, the meaning of your 
disguise. 

Kate. To explain to you, then, briefly, my present 
situation, you must know, that my father soon discovered 
my flight, and arrived in pursuit of me shortly after I 
reached here. Through the aid and advice of a friend I 
adopted this male attire, to deceive my father and escape 
his search — and have thus far succeeded. But the most 
novel part of my story is not yet told. Harry AValters is 
in the adjoining room, also disguised — dressed as a fe- 
male ; and we are impatiently awaiting the arrival of our 
friend, who is to bring with him Squire Green to marry 
us, in our present costume. We adopted this most novel 
plan, at the suggestion of our mutual friend, as the best 
and surest mode of deceiving my father and of consummat- 
ing our happiness. Let this suffice for the present. I 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 25 

will tell you all, Julia, after a while. But why were you 
so late iu reaching here. You surely received the note 
Harry left at your house? 

Julia. You must excuse my detention, Kate ; I was 
not at home when the note was left and, consequently, did 
not get it in time to be here as you desired. 

Charles. We hurried off, Kate, as soon as we possi- 
bly could, after receiving the note. 

Kate. You have arrived in time, as it has happened, 
to witness our romantic marriage. Harry did not reach 
here, either, at the proposed hour, or else I would have 
been spared the anxiety and trouble I have endured to- 
day. Just as he was on the point of starting, he received 
a letter informing him of the death of his brother, who 
has been residing at Havanna for the last ten years. This 
news occasioned some delay, and Harry, in his hurry to 
reach here in season, drove his horse so rapidly that he 
sprained the poor animal's leg, and did not arrive here 
till some time after my father. Come, let me introduce 
you to Harry. 

Julia. But, Kate, who is this kind friend you men- 
tion so often 1 He seems to be acting a very disinterest- 
ed part. 

Charles. Yes, Kate, who is this mutual friend, who 
does so much for you and Harry, and seems so interested 
in your fate ? 

Kate. Never mind him, now, Julia. I will introduce 
you to him pretty soon ; and perhaps you may be exceed- 
ingly interested in him, if all he has confessed to me in 
regard to a certain lady should be agreeably received. 

Julia. What can you mean, Kate? Do tell me, at 
once, I entreat you. 

Kate. Indeed, I can not tell you now, Julia. The 
little plot I have just formed will not succeed, if I were to 
do so. He has been absent much longer than was expected. 
I was anxiously looking for him at the window when you 
arrived. Come and let me introduce you to Harry. 

\_Excunt. R. H. 1 E. 

Enter Sam. l. h. 1. 

Sam {laughing most heartily). Bat was a good ting dat 
happen at de 'Squire's office. My massa was too much for 
3* 



26 love's masquerade; 

dem chaps. Mista Melville has got his danda up now to 
de high pressure principle. If he do n't lift him valve 
soon, he will bust his biler, dat 's sartin. I saw him jus 
now, wid de policeman, searching ebery place in dis house. 
'T is no go wid him. I '11 run and see Rose, dat eullud 
angel, and tell her dis last news fust. I 'm no prophet — 
but I tinks someting will happen 'fore long. 

lExit Savi. R. H, 



Scene IV. — A room in Broicn's Hotel.\ Kate Melville, Julia 
Danvers, Charles and Harry Walters, are discovered in the room: 
Harey in the disguise of a lady, with a vail on. 

Charles. I declare, Harry, this will be the richest and 
most laughable joke of the season. 

Harry. Say not so, Charles, till it is over ; then we 
all will join and have a merry making. Joy and mirth 
shall reign supreme, and bid us welcome. 

Kate. 0, I wish they would come ! I am fearful that 
my father will yet discover us, and then all will be lost. 

Julia. See, Kate — here they come ! I declare, there 
is Mr. Darlington ! 

Kate. Hush ! Julia. Now do as you have promised 
me. Keep your face closely vailed, and do not speak, for 
the world. I have a very particular reason for this, as 
you will see. presently. 

Julia. Well, I suppose, I must obey you, Kate. [Ju- 
lia draws her vail closely over her face.) 

Enter Darlington and 'Squire Gtreen. l. h. 

Darlington. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to in- 
troduce to you 'Squire Green. (They all boio.) Now, 
'Squire, as you know the object of your coming, be pleased 
to begin the ceremony, as time wears. 

'Squire. Which of the persons present, Mr. Darling- 
ton, are the parties in this case ? {Darlington leads forth 
Kate and Harry — Harry closely vailed.) 

Darlington. These are the ones, 'Squire. 

'Squire. Do you both affirm, in the presence of these 
witnesses, that you arc of legal age? {Kate and Harry 
bow in assent.) If there are any present — 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 27 

Elder Mr. Melville, in haste, followed by the Con- 
stable. L. H. 

Melville. Hold! I command you! (Approaches 
Kate and Harry and looks at them closely.^ I beg par- 
don, ladies and gentlemen, for having so rudely entered 
this room and so suddenly stopped this ceremony. I am 
in search of a person whom I must find as soon as possi- 
ble, and I thought he might be in this apartment. Go on, 
'Squire, and do not let me further interrupt the proceed- 
ings. I must away. Come, follow me, Mr. Nabem. 
{Going.) 

Darlington. Will you not stop, Mr. Melville, and be 
a witness to this marriage 1 

Melville. I can not spare the time, sir. 

Darlington. It will take but a moment, my dear sir. 

Melville. Shall we delay that long, Mr. Nabem? 

Constable. Why a moment will not be much loss, Mr. 
Melville. 

Melville. We will then delay a moment to witness it. 
Please proceed, 'S(i[nire Green. 

'Squire. If there are any present who have any ob- 
jections to this marriage, let them now speak, or ever after 
hold their peace. 

Melville (aside'). As this is a matter in which I am 
not in the least interested, I, of course, can have no ob- 
jections. They have my consent to marry as often as 
they please. If it were only Kate and Harry Walters, 
how easily I could have them now in my power. 

'Squire (proceeding with the ceremony and addressing 
Kate). Do you, young man, take this young woman for 
your wedded wife? 

Harry (answers). I do. (And Kate bows assent.) 

'Squire (addressing Harry). Do you, young woman, 
take this young man for your wedded husband? 

Kate (answers). I do. (And Harry bows asseiit.) 

'Squire. Then, according to the laws of the land, and 
in the presence of these witnesses, I pronounce you hus- 
band and wife. [Darli/iglo)i, walks up and congratulates 
them.) 

Melville. Come, Mr. Nabem, let us now away to our 
business (going). But stay, it would not look well for 



28 love's masquerade; 

us to depart without first wishing this couple joy. (Aside.) 
A sort of suspicious feeling seems to be stealing over me. 
Can it be ! No, no — nonsense ! I am not such a stupid 
ass as to be so easily imposed on ; and that, too, right be- 
fore my own eyes. No, no — it can not be. I will go and 
wish them joy — and then I can see what female face that 
vail conceals. (^Approaches Harry and takes him by the 
hand.) I wish you much happiness, madam. (While 
shaking him by the hand., he removes the vail -with his other 
hand, and starts back in utter asionishm.ent on beholding 
the face of Harry Walters: but quickly rallies and says.) 
Seize this impostor, Mr. Nabem. 'T is Harry Walters in 
disguise. (The Cojistable takes Harry by the arm.) 

'Squire (aside and in astonishment). Who would have 
thought it ! 

Kate (running to her father and kneeling). Have pity. 
dear father, and forgive your daughter. 

Melville. Is it possible ! lam utterly confounded ! 
Have my eyes been deceiving me all this time? 

'Squire [aside). I have placed myself in rather an 
awkward situation, here. 

Kate (still kneeling). Forgive us, dear father, I be- 
seech you. 

Melville. No — never! I have been too grossly im- 
posed on. 

Harry (tearing himself aumy from the Constable, ap- 
proaches Mr. Melville and kneels beside Kate^. We jointly 
beseech your forgiveness, my dear sir. Take this and read. 
(Hands Mr. Melville a letter.) Do not turn a deaf ear 
to our supplications, Mr. Melville. 

Melville (taking the letter, opening it and reading 
quickly.) "Mr Harry Walters: Dear Sir — This is to in- 
form you that your brother, George Walters, at his death, 
bequeathed you by will Fifty Thousand Dollars in 
ready money. The amount is now in my hands and is 
subject to your order at sight. 

" Very respectfully, yours, 

" J. J. Thompson, Attorney." 

Squire (approaching Mr. Melville). Do forgive them, 
Mr. Melville ? You witnessed their marriage and made 
no objections then. 



r 



OR, MONEY GIVES CONSENT. 29 

Melville (intently looking over the letter and reading 
again.) " Bequeathed you by will fifty thousand dol- 
lars in ready money." 

Kate. Dear father, do forgive us. 

Melville (looking at the letter and then at Kate and 
Harry.) Rise, my children, rise. You have my full par- 
don and forgiveness. (Kate and Harry rise.) I must 
confess, Harry, that I have been altogether too hasty and 
too much excited in this matter. But you must make 
some allowances for my conduct ; for Kate is my darling 
child and it is my greatest wish to see her do well. Be- 
sides, Harry, I always thought you were a good and wor- 
thy young man, and now I have proofs that I was not 
mistaken. Here is my free forgiveness and consent. (He 
takes them by the hands and, joins them together.) 

Constable. Shall I take him, Mr. Melville? 

Melville. No, Mr. Nabem ; take this (handing him 
some money). This is much easier to take and will repay 
you for your trouble. I will now dispense with your serv- 
ices. [Constable botvs and exits, l. h. 

Kate (goes up to Mr. Darlington). Now, Mr. Dar- 
lington, I must insist on your fulfilling the promise you 
made to me, as the opportunity now presents itself. 
(Leads him to Julia Danvers.) Allow me the pleasure of 
introducing you to my dear cousin, Julia Danvers. {Kate 
puts aside Julians vail.) 

Darlington (astonished). Can it be possible? It is 
indeed ! Miss Danvers, it affords me great pleasure to 
meet you so very unexpectedly. This is, certainly, an 
agreeable surprise. 

Julia. I am as agreeably surprised in thus meeting 
you, Mr. Darlington. It is always a source of pleasure to 
me, to meet an old friend ; but our present meeting is ren- 
dered doubly pleasureable, by the friendship you have so 
kindly shown for my cousin Kate. 

Melville. Why bless me, is Julia Danvers here? (Ap- 
proaches and takes Julia by the hand.) And Charles, too ? 
Why, I declare, I am almost bewildered with the many 
singular developments that have transpired to day. 

Squire. And I have been truly amazed, Mr. Melville, 
at what I have here witnessed. But as every thing seems 
to be clearing away to the entire satisfaction of all the par- 



30 love's masquerade. 

ties present, I will take my leave. Good day, ladies and gen- 
tlemen; I wish you all, health and happiness. (Aside and 
going.) "All's well that ends well" [Exit Squire, l. ii. 

Darlington (addressing Mr. Melville). 'T is now my 
turn, Mr. Melville, to ask pardon for the part that I have 
acted in this very novel proceeding, which, I confess, I 
have been chiefly instrumental in producing. And, as it 
has terminated to your perfect satisfaction, I will presume 
it granted. 

Melville. Most cordially, sir. 

Darlington. And, Kate, if Miss Danvers will accept 
my hand and heart, I '11 now fulfill my promise made to 
you, by placing them at her disposal. (Goes up to Julia 
Danvers and takes her hand.') 

Julia. Kate, this is too bad — but I will not prevent 
your little plot from being successful. 

Dar.lington. This is unlooked-for bliss. 

Melville. As we all now understand each other, I 
propose that we return to Albany and celebrate, in a suit- 
able and joyous manner, the marriage of my daughter 
Kate. 

Enter Sam, quickly. 

Sam. I seconds dat motion, massa. I has de horses 
and de buggy in tiptop order, and I wants to leabe dis 
place now. Dat gal. Rose, has run away wid Pete Bender, 
de barber, and dere 's no more charms 'bout dis house for 
dis chile, dat 's sartin. 

Darlington. Well, Sam, we are all going. So pack 
up my effects and have every thing ready for immediate 
departure. 

Sam. I will tend to dat arrangement right on de spot, 
massa, dat's sartin. \_Exit Sam. 

Darlington (approaches the audience). 

To you, kind friends, who have attention paid 

To many scenes, in this our masquerade, 

We say " Good-bye:" 

And may those fathers here a lesson learn, 

Who would their daughters' love so rudely turn, 

That love's ingenious, and, in disguise. 

Will cheat the father e'en before his eyes. 

And bach'lors, too, may see by my last act, 

That they '11 be caught by woman's ready tact. 

FINIS. 



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